Recommendation 1

In order to secure the labour it requires to maintain production levels under the new immigration policy, the food supply chain will have to attract more resident staff. Although it must be recognised there are significant structural barriers preventing many domestic workers from substantial engagement in seasonal harvest work and this is not a new feature of the UK labour market. Additionally, as we explore in the following chapters, it should be recognised that it is not just a question of better pay, but also of improved conditions that will attract more UK workers to businesses in the food supply chain. While there are benefits to improving the attractiveness of the food supply chain as a place to work in terms of securing a more stable and predictable workforce, there is a risk that this may come at the cost of higher consumer food prices or a loss of market share to imports potentially produced to lower standards. This would impact on the UK’s food security and on the ability of some families to afford enough healthy nutritious food. As we made clear in our report on covid-19 and food supply there are already concerns about both. The Government should pay particular attention to food prices in the period after the introduction of the new immigration policy—if prices rise, due to a shortage of labour, it should stand ready to make appropriate policy adjustments.